Sunday, June 28, 2015

Morrissey and Blondie played Madison Square Garden

A double bill of Morrissey and Blondie imparted sentimental and wistful moments for a sold out night at the world's most famous arena. Two revered acts of the 70s and 80s still faired well in today's modern times.
To kick off the night, Blondie wasted no time jumping into a short, but jam packed, hit filled set. "One Way or Another" was a huge crowd pleasing opener and it set the bar high for the evening. In great form and style, Debbie Harry and company were on fire as they treated the audience to tons of favorites. "If you need help finding the Pride parade tomorrow, you can just call me" she cried to rapturous applause as the band followed suit with their mega-hit. "Maria", "Heart of Glass" and "Rapture" were met with massive praise and the later in even transformed into a cover of the Beastie Boys "Fight for You Right" (to much welcomed surprise, no doubt). However, it was the full marching band for the set ending "Tide is High" that really took things to another level.

"It takes a nation of zillions to hold us back" cried Morrissey as he graced the stage to a rousing "The Queen is Dead" followed by the great "Suedehead". The crowd erupted, but the excitement didn't linger to the same effect as the opener. Morrissey is quite the performer and his antics are a pleasure to watch, but his lack of Smiths hits put a damper on the night. Sure, his following of obsessive and devoted fans were in the palm of his hands, but anyone hoping for some nostalgia was sure to be disappointed. Choice quotes "the pleasure, the privilege is all mine" and "good times for a change" teased the crowed, but he did include a triumphant "Everyday is Like Sunday" and that was a special moment indeed. "I'd like to thank Madison Square for going cruelty free tonight. A historic night for New York in a historic week for the United States" he proclaimed. While there was a lack of hits, his voice was in stellar form. His croon and swagger are still a sight to behold despite the contrast of disturbing images of police brutality and animal slaughterhouses that played behind him. In typical Morrissey fashion, the night end with him tearing off his shirt and throwing it into the crowd before nonchalantly walking off-stage. In some regard, it's fun to see a person that doesn't cater to the demands of others, but sometimes it's best to just play to your audience.